SOCL, TrinityB

Sunday May 26, 2024

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

See

When people struggle to believe in God at all, our Christian faith in God as Trinity may seem somehow a needless complication. Yet, we do know that relationships and relationality stand at the heart of our human wellbeing. Words do fail us, of course, and yet we know that God in God’s own very being is Love. This inner love (the “immanent Trinity”) has been spoken and told, disclosed and revealed in Jesus and the Spirit (the “economic Trinity”). And yet, we affirm one God. This evident paradox must first of all be lived in prayer and only then haltingly alluded to in stumbling words.

Listen

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40; Psalm 33 (32); Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28:16-20

Reflect

(Matthew 28:16-20)

-Jesus meets the disciples for the last time. His final words give them direction for their future. Perhaps you can recall such parting moments in your own life – leaving home, school, college, or the death of a loved one. Was there an occasion when the words spoken to you gave you direction for the future?

-Perhaps you can identify with Jesus in the story, when as a parent, teacher, or in some other way you sent someone on his/her way in life, knowing that you would not be with him or her as in the past. When did the way you parted help the other to make his or her way in life?

-Despite this extraordinary encounter with Jesus some of the disciples doubted. Dealing with questions and doubt is part of an adult faith journey. How have your questions and doubts helped to shape the faith you have today?

-Jesus commissioned this collection of believing and doubting disciples to carry on his work. We inherit that mission today. How do you see yourself as commissioned to continue the mission of Jesus?

-Jesus told his disciples that although he would not be physically with them he would be with them in a new way right through life. Have there been times when you were reassured by the love and support of another even though s/he was not physically present with you? What are the things that help you to be aware of the presence of Jesus with you on life’s journey?

Pray

God our Father you have given us a share in the life that is yours with your Son and the Holy Spirit. Strengthen that life within your Church, that we may know your presence, observe your commands, and proclaim the gospel to every nation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Act

-Nurture Relationships: Focus on strengthening your relationships through meaningful conversations, active listening, and empathy, reflecting the relational nature of God.

-Act with Love: Embody divine love in daily actions by being kind, generous, and compassionate. Volunteer, support those in need, and be present for others, making love tangible.

-Daily Prayer: Integrate prayer into your routine to connect with the divine. Use this time for reflection, seeking guidance, strength, and peace in your daily life.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024at, May 26). The solemnity of the most Holy Trinity. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052624.cfm

--Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

The Word today, PentecostB

May 20 - May 25, 2024

Monday 20 May

Mary, mother of the Church

Acts 1:12-14 This is our last glimpse of Jesus’ mother in Luke-Acts. The picture of Mary at prayer is consistent with the portrait in Luke 1-2.

John 19:25-34 The reception of this scene has prompted much reflection on Mary as mother of the church. In its historical and theological context, the mother here stands for the mother religion, Judaism, just as the beloved disciples stands for nascent Christianity. The Gospel of John makes a powerful invitation to reconciliation and mutual recognition. The message is still relevant today.

Tuesday 21 May

St Christopher Magallanes and companions, martyrs.

James 4:1-10 Nearly any one sentence of this passage would give us lots to think about. James never minces his words and get to the heart of the matter: our interior impulses, hidden sometimes from ourselves.

Mark 9:30-37 Mark always links the “passion predictions” to a teaching on discipleship. This is true here as well. In the culture, a child symbolizes not innocence (as today) but powerlessness, lack of status.

Wednesday 22 May

St Rita of Cascia, religious

James 4:13-17 We know this is true, even though we might not like to think about it much! Time really does fly by. What we can do is to change how approach to this fact!

Mark 9:38-40 It is alarming how early the disciples somehow imagined they were to be the exclusive “owners” of the Gospel project. Jesus’ response is robust and can speak to us today. How is the Holy Spirit speaking to us from what we regards as outside?

Thursday 23 May

James 5:1-6 There more than a touch of the Old Testament prophet here: justice is what counts before God who cares for the poor.

Mark 9:41-50 Today we two teachings. The first is brief and perhaps surprising. By allowing themselves to helped by outsides, disciples somehow make salvation available to non-believers.

The second teaching is more straightforward and to our untuned ears a little crass. It may to imagine Jesus smiling as he gives this particular advice.

Friday 24 May

James 5:9-12 Complaining is “enjoyable,” as we all know but, according to James, it is harmful, as we all also know. He goes on to insist on Jesus’ own teaching about telling the truth simply and clearly.

Mark 10:1-12 In this reading, Jesus recalls the original purpose of God: marriage should be life-long, according to the plan of the creator. It may help, when reflecting on this, that Jesus was not laying down a law but lifting up an ideal. Jesus never legislates.

Saturday 25 May

St Gregory VII, bishop of Rome or St Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi, virgin or St Bede the Venerable, priest, doctor

James 5:13-20 Different situations and needs are evoked here. Perhaps I can see myself in one or other of them?

Mark 10:13-16 Again, it is both alarming and reassuring how early the disciples managed to get in the way. It may also help to remember that a child in this culture is not symbol of innocence but rather of powerlessness.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ar, May 19). Pentecost Sunday - Mass during the Day. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/pentecost-sunday-mass-during-day

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, PentecostB

Sunday May 19, 2024

I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth from the Father.

See

It is often forgotten that Pentecost is first of all a Jewish feast, actually a harvest festival. That sense of “in gathering” is also a theme of our Christian Pentecost, as we see the beginning of the church. By the time of Jesus, Shavuot—to give it its Hebrew name—also marked the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. This also fits our Christian Shavuot as long as we recall that Law, Torah, meant instruction and indeed a whole way of life under God’s grace and guidance. It was always interior and the descent of the Holy Spirit takes this inner reality to new levels.

Listen

Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104 (103); Galatians 5:16-25; John 15:26-27; 16:12-1

Reflect

(John 15:26-27; 16:12-1)

-Jesus recognized that his disciples were not capable of taking in everything at once. Wisdom about life comes slowly and sometimes painfully. Hearing the ‘right’ answer at the ‘wrong’ time does not help us. We need to be ready and open to receiving the truth if it is to have any impact. Perhaps you can recall some occasions when it was the ‘right’ time for you to learn a truth about life. Remember your experiences of growing in understanding and truth.

-Perhaps the Spirit guided you through the words of someone close to you, or through the words and actions of people you read about or saw on TV. Understanding may have come to you when you were praying or reflecting on your life. Remember and give thanks for the people who have helped you to greater wisdom in life.

-Jesus said the Spirit would ‘glorify’ him by reminding the disciples of Jesus’ own teaching. To whom do you give glory by taking their wisdom and incorporating it in your life? Are there people who give you glory by using your wise advice in their lives?

-Wisdom is handed on from person to person, and from generation to generation, within families, within communities, etc. Are there any particular gems of wisdom that you cherish from what has been handed on to you? What wisdom would you like most of all to pass on to those close to you?

Pray

Send down, O God, upon your people the flame of your Holy Spirit, and fill with the abundance of your sevenfold gift the Church you brought forth from your Son’s pierced side. May your life-giving Spirit lend fire to our words and strength to our witness. Send us forth to the nations of the world to proclaim with boldness your wondrous work of raising Jesus from the dead. Amen.

Act

-Embrace Community Gather with family, friends, or community groups to share meals and support each other, fostering a sense of togetherness.

-Seek Guidance Regularly seek wisdom and guidance through reading, mentorship, or educational programs, and reflect on how these teachings shape your actions.

-Cultivate Inner Spirituality Dedicate time to spiritual practices like prayer or meditation, and focus on developing inner qualities like love and patience, letting them guide your daily actions.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ar, May 19). Pentecost Sunday - Mass during the Day. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/pentecost-sunday-mass-during-day

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/